The States Forum
@statesforum.bsky.social
Catalyzing policy ideas to achieve the American Promise in states.
Learn more at StatesForum.org
Learn more at StatesForum.org
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Welcome to The States Forum
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As the very foundational values of our country are being attacked, achieving the American Promise has never been more urgent.
Last month, we convened policy thinkers and state leaders in Philadelphia to explore how we keep that promise alive in the states.
Take a look:
Last month, we convened policy thinkers and state leaders in Philadelphia to explore how we keep that promise alive in the states.
Take a look:
From consulting with the state’s Public Service Commission on reducing the environmental impact of data centers to protecting kids, here’s how Kentucky state lawmakers are stepping up to protect people when it comes to AI policymaking. kentuckylantern.com/2025/11/13/p...
Protecting kids, planning for data centers among AI issues KY legislature urged to tackle • Kentucky Lantern
Kentucky lawmakers studying artificial intelligence issue recommendations to protect minors exposed to AI online and laws about data centers.
kentuckylantern.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:31 PM
From consulting with the state’s Public Service Commission on reducing the environmental impact of data centers to protecting kids, here’s how Kentucky state lawmakers are stepping up to protect people when it comes to AI policymaking. kentuckylantern.com/2025/11/13/p...
A topic for Thanksgiving dinner for sure: New Jersey governor-elect Mikie Sherrill floated the idea of no longer paying federal taxes if the White House keeps cancelling state funding: “If they’re not gonna run the programs, then what are we paying them for?” www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
New Jersey may stop paying federal taxes under new governor
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said on a podcast with Jon Stewart it's a "great idea."
www.politico.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:52 PM
A topic for Thanksgiving dinner for sure: New Jersey governor-elect Mikie Sherrill floated the idea of no longer paying federal taxes if the White House keeps cancelling state funding: “If they’re not gonna run the programs, then what are we paying them for?” www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Last week in Atlanta, we hosted our first-ever policy accelerator.
It was… electric! Energy policy experts and a few great lawmakers gathered to talk about what’s on everyone’s mind right now: how we make energy bills affordable.
Read more about our policy solutions:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
It was… electric! Energy policy experts and a few great lawmakers gathered to talk about what’s on everyone’s mind right now: how we make energy bills affordable.
Read more about our policy solutions:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
The Energy Bill Affordability Moment is Here
And we’ve got the ideas to meet it
substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Last week in Atlanta, we hosted our first-ever policy accelerator.
It was… electric! Energy policy experts and a few great lawmakers gathered to talk about what’s on everyone’s mind right now: how we make energy bills affordable.
Read more about our policy solutions:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
It was… electric! Energy policy experts and a few great lawmakers gathered to talk about what’s on everyone’s mind right now: how we make energy bills affordable.
Read more about our policy solutions:
substack.com/home/post/p-...
When it comes to AI, balancing innovation, regulation, and the public interest is increasingly urgent.
States are taking action to protect elections, regulate deepfakes, and keep kids safe.
www.ncsl.org/state-legisl...
States are taking action to protect elections, regulate deepfakes, and keep kids safe.
www.ncsl.org/state-legisl...
As AI Tools Become Commonplace, so Do Concerns
As technology continues to transform society, expect more challenges to arise from the complex intersection of innovation, regulation and the public interest. Legislators will continue to respond to t...
www.ncsl.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:45 PM
When it comes to AI, balancing innovation, regulation, and the public interest is increasingly urgent.
States are taking action to protect elections, regulate deepfakes, and keep kids safe.
www.ncsl.org/state-legisl...
States are taking action to protect elections, regulate deepfakes, and keep kids safe.
www.ncsl.org/state-legisl...
With healthcare premiums set to spike, what can states do to help keep healthcare costs down? @carmitage.bsky.social examines three BOLD proposals:
cmarmitage.substack.com/p/the-super-...
cmarmitage.substack.com/p/the-super-...
November 20, 2025 at 6:37 PM
With healthcare premiums set to spike, what can states do to help keep healthcare costs down? @carmitage.bsky.social examines three BOLD proposals:
cmarmitage.substack.com/p/the-super-...
cmarmitage.substack.com/p/the-super-...
Reposted by The States Forum
Rising energy costs aren’t the result of scarcity — they are a deliberate policy choice. Here are some ideas on how to lower costs from PowerLines @charlesxhua.bsky.social: open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
Move Over, Eggs — The Politics of Electricity Are Here
How energy prices motivated change in this year’s elections
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:27 AM
When the federal gov. drops the regulation of employment-related debt policies like “Stay-or-Pay” (forcing employees to pay back training costs), states like NY & CA are picking up the baton to stop these predatory tactics & protect their constituents.
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
When the federal gov. drops the regulation of employment-related debt policies like “Stay-or-Pay” (forcing employees to pay back training costs), states like NY & CA are picking up the baton to stop these predatory tactics & protect their constituents.
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
Rising energy costs aren’t the result of scarcity — they are a deliberate policy choice. Here are some ideas on how to lower costs from PowerLines @charlesxhua.bsky.social: open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
Move Over, Eggs — The Politics of Electricity Are Here
How energy prices motivated change in this year’s elections
open.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Rising energy costs aren’t the result of scarcity — they are a deliberate policy choice. Here are some ideas on how to lower costs from PowerLines @charlesxhua.bsky.social: open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
States are facing a key opportunity to rebuild trust in government & election processes.
Michigan is moving to tackle concerns by revisiting their petition process & addressing election disinformation. michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/m...
Michigan is moving to tackle concerns by revisiting their petition process & addressing election disinformation. michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/m...
Michigan Senate passes petition collection, election disinformation reforms • Michigan Advance
Updated at 6 p.m. The fight against election disinformation and changes to Michigan’s petition circulation process cleared the upper chamber of the state Legislature on Thursday. Senators moved the le...
michiganadvance.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:26 PM
States are facing a key opportunity to rebuild trust in government & election processes.
Michigan is moving to tackle concerns by revisiting their petition process & addressing election disinformation. michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/m...
Michigan is moving to tackle concerns by revisiting their petition process & addressing election disinformation. michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/m...
States hold an important line when it comes to protecting our democracy & ensuring fair districts.
But as parties continue their gerrymandering wars, @andycraig.bsky.social shares how proportional representation could be a path to ensure voters' voices are heard.
open.substack.com/pub/theunpop...
But as parties continue their gerrymandering wars, @andycraig.bsky.social shares how proportional representation could be a path to ensure voters' voices are heard.
open.substack.com/pub/theunpop...
Want to End the Gerrymandering Wars? Embrace Proportional Representation
Trump has triggered a particularly fierce round, but the logic of war is inherent in a winner-take-all system
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:21 PM
States hold an important line when it comes to protecting our democracy & ensuring fair districts.
But as parties continue their gerrymandering wars, @andycraig.bsky.social shares how proportional representation could be a path to ensure voters' voices are heard.
open.substack.com/pub/theunpop...
But as parties continue their gerrymandering wars, @andycraig.bsky.social shares how proportional representation could be a path to ensure voters' voices are heard.
open.substack.com/pub/theunpop...
5 million people across the country stand to lose their healthcare as new Medicaid legislation limits access and drowns others in paperwork.
As states are scrambling to support their people, creative ways to implement federal law might be the way to save lives.
As states are scrambling to support their people, creative ways to implement federal law might be the way to save lives.
New at Can We Still Govern? New Medicaid work requirements will see an estimated 5 million lose coverage.
Small investments in in-house tech capacity could allow states to start preparing now to expand automatic renewal of clients. Here is the evidence 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
Small investments in in-house tech capacity could allow states to start preparing now to expand automatic renewal of clients. Here is the evidence 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
Lessons from Pandemic Era Medicaid Automation for Work Requirements
Small tech capacity investments offer big returns
donmoynihan.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:27 PM
5 million people across the country stand to lose their healthcare as new Medicaid legislation limits access and drowns others in paperwork.
As states are scrambling to support their people, creative ways to implement federal law might be the way to save lives.
As states are scrambling to support their people, creative ways to implement federal law might be the way to save lives.
This week we were joined by @pahlkadot.bsky.social & Robert Gordon for a conversation about their new project, Recode America, & how they are working to reimagine our regulatory process so that government at all levels can effectively deliver for Americans. open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
Making Government Work for the People
A conversation with Jennifer Pahlka and Robert Gordon
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM
This week we were joined by @pahlkadot.bsky.social & Robert Gordon for a conversation about their new project, Recode America, & how they are working to reimagine our regulatory process so that government at all levels can effectively deliver for Americans. open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
On Substack last week, we discussed the role of Public Utility Commissions in setting electricity costs.
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Electric Utility Reform in an Age of Electrification - The States Forum
The United States is subject to the same drivers transforming the global power sector: the rapid growth of renewable energy, data centers, battery storage,
www.statesforum.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:56 PM
On Substack last week, we discussed the role of Public Utility Commissions in setting electricity costs.
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Well said Michael Waldman
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
States Step Up as Washington Stalls
With Congress paralyzed and aid programs in jeopardy, state governments are proving to be laboratories for reform and resistance.
www.brennancenter.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Well said Michael Waldman
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
ICYMI: This Tuesday, Georgia elected two new Public Utility Commissioners.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Tomorrow, Georgians have a chance to elect the commissioners who will be part of the Public Utility Commission—a state-level entity that gets a say in setting the rates the public pays.
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
The cost of living is on everyone’s mind
And tomorrow in Georgia, it’s on the ballot.
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:16 PM
ICYMI: This Tuesday, Georgia elected two new Public Utility Commissioners.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Rural stagnation is not inevitable; it is a policy choice.
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Fair Markets For Rural America - The States Forum
Every election season, red and blue maps reinforce the myth of “two Americas,” the wealthy, liberal cities and the declining, conservative countryside.
www.statesforum.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Rural stagnation is not inevitable; it is a policy choice.
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
The courts have spoken: It's illegal for the federal govt to withhold SNAP funding. In response the Admin chose to pay out half the benefit & on a delay.
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
SNAP benefits will restart, but will be half the normal payment and delayed
About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person in the food assistance known as SNAP. For the first time, the Trump administration stopped the payments due at the beginning of th...
www.npr.org
November 4, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The courts have spoken: It's illegal for the federal govt to withhold SNAP funding. In response the Admin chose to pay out half the benefit & on a delay.
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
Tomorrow, Georgians have a chance to elect the commissioners who will be part of the Public Utility Commission—a state-level entity that gets a say in setting the rates the public pays.
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
The cost of living is on everyone’s mind
And tomorrow in Georgia, it’s on the ballot.
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Tomorrow, Georgians have a chance to elect the commissioners who will be part of the Public Utility Commission—a state-level entity that gets a say in setting the rates the public pays.
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
Chaos in Washington = 42M Americans could lose food assistance this week. States are preparing – but also the USDA can spend contingency funds and not fail American families.
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
Dozens of States Sue Trump Administration Over Planned Food Stamp Cuts
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Chaos in Washington = 42M Americans could lose food assistance this week. States are preparing – but also the USDA can spend contingency funds and not fail American families.
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
Let’s do like the Aussies do. Their rooftop solar costs a fraction of what we pay.
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
October 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Let’s do like the Aussies do. Their rooftop solar costs a fraction of what we pay.
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
The federal government isn’t open, but states are - and they’re stepping up to find solutions for their constituents.
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
Shutdown ripple effects, food insecurity, and Idaho’s very own DOGE
Democracy in the States' weekly round-up of news, campaigns, policy changes, obstacles and successes for democracy renovation at the state level.
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The federal government isn’t open, but states are - and they’re stepping up to find solutions for their constituents.
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
From pay transparency to protected time off for parents to support their kids in school, states have the opportunity to deliver for their constituents.
Policy Ideas that States can Pass Today, Part Two
Six more smart ideas that come at no cost to states
substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:25 PM
From pay transparency to protected time off for parents to support their kids in school, states have the opportunity to deliver for their constituents.
What are we talking about when we’re talking about AI?
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
October 27, 2025 at 1:37 PM
What are we talking about when we’re talking about AI?
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
ICYMI: At the core of the MAHA movement is a concern for personal freedom.
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
The MAHA wave
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again campaign to combat chronic disease is reshaping state legislatures, with hundreds of bills introduced this year echoing his agenda i...
www.politico.com
October 24, 2025 at 10:13 PM
ICYMI: At the core of the MAHA movement is a concern for personal freedom.
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Congrats to @pahlkadot.bsky.social & @robertgo.bsky.social on the launch of the Recoding America Fund!
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund
American Government Needs to Deliver
Recoding America Fund is taking this once-in-a-generation opportunity to generate and pass reforms that shape that change in the public interest.
www.recodingamerica.fund
October 22, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Congrats to @pahlkadot.bsky.social & @robertgo.bsky.social on the launch of the Recoding America Fund!
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund